Honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
As we celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr’s birthday on January 15 and his day of remembrance on January 17, it is with deep reflection that I acknowledge the path of advocacy Dr. King chose for such compelling reasons.?I am reminded of how faith and hope were core to his perseverance, complemented by an audacious demeanor – the attributes necessary to envision a future that only some could understand.
A favorite journalist of mine, Ellen McGirt recently shared that “you can shape your experience by choosing what you notice.” So, I pose the question, how can we be more deliberate in our individual and collective efforts to influence the experiences and outcomes for others? If each of us exercises a choice, compelled by what we’ve noticed, would it not create a sense of resolve to act?
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When I began my career in diversity over 20 years ago, I would tell people that my goal was to put myself out of a job.?Yet today, if anything, we have even more work to do, the sense of urgency and purpose is more profound, and we remain at a perpetual inflection point in trying to realize Dr. King’s vision. As part of my reflection on Dr. King’s birthday, I resolve to put equality and equity center stage this year to positively influence the experiences and outcomes for others. ?I invite you to join me in “choosing what you notice” and accepting the personal accountability that comes with being good stewards of DEI – noticing the opportunity to grant others access, valuing authenticity, leading with empathy, and giving grace to imperfect allyship.
As the daughter of immigrants who pursued the American dream, I feel and accept the responsibility to do more in honor of Dr. King and his tirelessness, in memory of my parents and of my aunt who passed over the holidays, and in tribute to my daughter who expects society will provide psychologically safe places for her to thrive.?If we all notice more and resolve to do more, I have faith and hope we can make our workplaces and this world a better place.??
Team Member Trainer at Pret A Manger
2 年"You can shape your experience by choosing what you notice" I thought this is powerful because its a definite reinforcement of the saying "perception is reality."This statement is so true in that envisioning a great outcome from any situation will help to reduce the fixation on the unfavorable factors that comes with such situation.Indeed Dr Martin Luther King Jr. did great fighting for equality. It therefore behoves us all to continue the good fight. Great Post Elena.
Executive Assistant
2 年“When I began my career in diversity over 20 years ago, I would tell people that my goal was to put myself out of a job.?Yet today, if anything, we have even more work to do….” This line struck me because it’s so true. It reminds me of the time I went to the National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC) in DC. It was just months after the protest of the “Unite the Right” rally in Charlottesville. I entered the Civil Rights section to a large picture of President Obama, with a sea of diversity behind him, his fabulous smile, bright and large, his heart hopeful as he won his first term. I ended at the photos of the Freedom Riders bus with smoke billowing from it, the peaceful protests, the unnecessary beatings, enveloped in the audio of voices chanting and screams. Tears fell from my eyes as I stood confused. Confused because I couldn’t tell if I was in the past or the present. Reflecting on Charlottesville and feeling the unraveling of stifled hatred released like an ugly explosion. My mind blown and asking “Am I in the past or is this the present?” It felt as if all Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. peacefully marched and led for would have to begin again.
Thank you, Elena, for so elegantly and effectively leading our firm in DEI.
KPMG Partner enabling the movement of Talent across borders through Tax ?? 2022 Global Mobility Champion of the Year | Speaker | Leadership | Automation | Process Improvement | People and Culture Champion | Writer
2 年Thanks for providing us with these inspiring sentiments Elena. "noticing the opportunity to grant others access, valuing authenticity, leading with empathy, and giving grace to imperfect allyship." If we all did this regularly the world would be a better place.